I’m an interior expert – why everyone should have an entryway mirror, with 3 exceptions

MIRRORS are magic – or pretty close to it. Not in the fairy tale sense, but from an interior design perspective. Home professionals rave about the ways a mirror can expand a small space and highlight the best part of a big room. That’s what makes the decor a perfect feature in your entry hallway, […]

MIRRORS are magic – or pretty close to it. Not in the fairy tale sense, but from an interior design perspective.

Home professionals rave about the ways a mirror can expand a small space and highlight the best part of a big room.

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An entryway mirror does so much for your space, but they aren’t for every home[/caption]

That’s what makes the decor a perfect feature in your entry hallway, experts say, but the design hack isn’t right for every house.

According to the experts at 21Oak, there are certain things you should do to use a mirror in your entryway, and three situations where you should definitely skip it.

The number one reason to hang a mirror in your entryway is to take advantage of the optical illusion that expands the space.

“If your entryway is directly across from a window or other natural light source, a mirror can multiply that light and make your entryway feel more expansive,” the experts explained.

“Even without the light source, mirrors can help create the illusion of space.”

If you’ve got a short or narrow hallway, this is especially helpful, and can even reflect other decorations in the area to make things look put together.

And, of course, it’s practical. You’ll benefit from a touch-up on the way out the door and guests will appreciate a chance to check their hair and clothes after traveling to your home.

In some situations, though, a mirror can detract from the thoughtful design of your home, the experts warned.

If your wall isn’t strong enough to support it, or you aren’t willing to use anchors, don’t hang a mirror in the hallway.

“Mirrors are heavy, and the last thing you need is for your mirror to come crashing down on your guests at the front door,” the professionals advised.

“If your entryway doesn’t have the studs to stabilize a heavy mirror, you might reconsider your choice of decor.

“Invest in sinkers that expand throughout the drywall for better grip, or skip the heavy frame and use L-hooks to hold the mirror,” the experts advised.

You should also be mindful of what your mirror is reflecting.

Since a mirror magnifies, replicates, and amplifies design elements in your home, keep it away from any features you aren’t fond of.

If you’ve been meaning to renovate parts of your entryway, but haven’t had the time, wait to hang a mirror until it will expand a space you’re proud of.

Finally, consider the layout of your home, and the way your family uses the hallway.

If you follow design principles like feng shui, having a mirror close to the door could lead to bad luck with money and an uncomfortable energy flow in the home.

Or, if your family tends to use the entryway as a free-for-all mudroom, a mirror will visually double the mess – definitely not the soothing feeling you want when arriving home.

Skip a mirror in those instances, and invest in a pretty welcome mat or sturdy hallway organizers instead.

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A mirror in your entryway can expand the room, but also visually double any clutter[/caption]